Philadelphia Eagles: Three free agent linebackers the team could still sign

The Philadelphia Eagles could still use some help at the linebacker position.

Following Nigel Bradham’s departure to New Orleans, the last “lifeline” for the Philadelphia Eagles at the linebacker position has vanished. Philly’s LB core is looking extremely weak heading into 2020 (some have even graded it as the worst in the league), and many felt a last second reunion with Bradham could have been the solution.

While a partnership of “college safety” Nate Gerry and “undrafted free agent” TJ Edwards could end up being serviceable, it would still make an abundance of sense for Howie Roseman to look into adding a veteran. With training camp now officially underway, here are three free agent options the Eagles could target.

Darron Lee (last played for Kansas City)

A former first round pick for the Jets back in 2016, Darron Lee had an extremely rough start to his football playing career, before eventually settling into a special teams role for the Chiefs last year.

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Lee had all the tools heading into the draft process. Scouts loved him, and his combine was eye popping to say the least. However, despite his plethora of physical traits, Lee really struggled to adjust to the speed of the NFL. Starting in nine games for the Jets his rookie season, Lee actually finished the year as the second worst overall graded linebacker in the entire NFL (PFF.com).

Lee remained a starter for New York in 2017 and 2018, was suspended for PEDs in December of 2018, and then traded away to Kansas City where he was almost exclusively used as a special teamer.

Lee is an intriguing player because the Eagles reportedly showed genuine interest in the LB when he was on the trade block back in 2019. While they ultimately decided to sign Zach Brown instead to fill out their linebacker depth, there was definitely some level of affection towards Lee.

Lee actually played corner in high school, so his hybrid DB/LB personality fits exactly what Jim Schwartz and the Eagles are trying to build currently. Guys like Davion Taylor and Will Parks have similar play styles, and former Eagle Kamu Grugier-Hill really excelled in that role as well.

After not playing too much for Kansas City last year, Lee would likely settle with a veteran minimum contract. Considering how shallow the Eagles LB depth is, the potential for him to come in and get serious playing time right away would likely entice him as well.